"[Joshua] will beat Klitschko in the middle rounds," Spence told Sky Sports. "Klitschko is crafty but AJ is a young and strong heavyweight."

With notable victories over Tony Thompson, David Haye, and Alexander Povetkin, Klitschko dominated the heavyweight division between Lennox Lewis' retirement in 2003 and Tyson Fury's coronation in 2015.

Spence, though, believes Joshua can one-up Fury's performance by finishing his fight with Klitschko early rather than allowing the bout to go to the scorecards.

"This is [Joshua's] time and it's time for Klitschko to pass the torch," he said. "Joshua can take over boxing."

Should Joshua beat Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 29, it will open up lucrative fights with Matchroom Boxing stablemate Luis Ortiz, knockout puncher Joseph Parker and WBC title holder Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas.

Rather than side with his compatriot Wilder, Spence sees Joshua trumping the lot as he believes the 27-year-old will rule the division.